When you’re looking to invest some hard-earned money into a pair of boots, there are a few things on the requirement sheet. Soft, full grain leather. Good year welt construction for extra durability. A beautiful silhouette that looks great on a date or on your day off. Added points if they’re made in America. For many, the first choice to satisfy this list is Red Wing’s Iron Ranger 8111 Boot.

Affectionately known as Iron Rangers due to their toughness, the local hard-working miners of the Mesabi Iron Range in northern Minnesota performed grueling hard work, and needed a hard-working boot to keep them on their feet. The Iron Ranger boots were originally designed in the 1920’s with an extra leather cap-toe to provide more toe protection. (Interestingly, Red Wing would be one of the first to introduce steel toe footwear a decade later.)

The Iron Rangers feature Texas steer, full-grain, oil tanned Amber Harness leather, that while tough and durable, is also supple and comfortable. The sole of the boot is a nitrile cork sole, a durable material that sheds water and oil. It won’t dry out and crack like a rubber sole, and is more durable than a leather sole. However, due to its smooth surface and lack of lugs, walking in slippery conditions requires care. The heel is nail seated so it can be rehealed or completely resoled.

Just like their Beckman brethren, the Iron Rangers feature a triple stitch sewn by 100 year old Puritan sewing machines, with the cap toe actually being quad stitched.

Even Red Wing admits their boots need broken-in to be comfortable due to the tough leather used, but I found my Iron Rangers to be perfectly comfortable out of the box. I had no trouble walking a mile to and from a friend’s place on Day 1, and I can only imagine how great they’ll feel completely broken-in. Much more comfortable than my Red Wing 875’s were out of the box. The Iron Rangers feature a full-grain leather footbed, adding durability, as well as a moldable quality, allowing the insole to conform to your foot.

Many guys wrestle between buying the Iron Ranger and Wolverine’s 1000 Mile Boot. Both are sharp, long-lasting boots, and the decision really boils down to which design is favored, and whether a cork sole or leather sole is preferred. Either would be a great investment.

Andrew, great write up, but I think you definitely should mention that you can often find these beauties on Sierra Trading Post for about half that price if you’re persistent.

http://www.primermagazine.com/ Andrew

Aren’t those typically factory seconds?

Marc

Yes, they usually are from my experience looking.

http://Batmannananana.com/ Caesar Merlin

still not a bad price for a good boot

Brian Six

I picked up mine from Nordstrom duriing their yearly sale for around $200.

James

Love the look of these, but I was really worried about the cork sole being slippery on wet surfaces. Do you think it is slick enough that it warrants putting some kind of rubber half sole on?

I ended up choosing the Chippewa Service Boot which has a Vibram sole for this reason.

Cole

if you live where there’s snow on the ground often and you don’t have another boot to go to in that case, then yes, traction is not going to be the best for you.

http://kalebcoleman.com/ Kaleb Coleman

I really dig my Indy Alden 405’s, freaking tanks…

kryogenix

Scored a pair of these on Amazon during a lightning sale, first quality and free shipping for 198.00$. Love them.

Tucker

Love these boots! Got them at their factory store. I’ve mink oiled them a couple times through a couple winters now, and they are easily my most second-skin comfortable boots. They also look great with anything from jeans to dress casual. Only downside! They have no tread on the bottom, so they are a bit slippery in the ice/snow if you’re not careful, but not so much that you can’t wear them in winter, just don’t plan on running down an icy sidewalk and you’ll be fine.

steve

I got a pair two weeks ago at nordstrom rack for 158. Was super happy

Adam

Will you be posting any boots that will work with dress clothes for when you have to dress up nice but the weather won’t cooperate?

Ben

When you mention boot silhouette what are you considering? What shapes would be considered most versatile and desirable?

Guest

Thanks for the write up Andrew. Headed out to pick up a pair soon. What color is the model used in the photo spread?

Hi Andrew,
Great write-up! While your comparative shoe sizes are very helpful, might I ask what your size is on a Brannock?
Thanks,
Rick Fisher

erel matita

Hi guys. I know this is so late to comment on this. But, how does this boot hold up against rain, wet streets, and some hiking with wet, muddy soil? Thanks!

http://www.primermagazine.com/ Andrew

This is a great, rugged boot all around. It’ll handle all of that with ease.

erel matita

Thanks for the respond Andrew! gonna treat myself and buy this boot for my birthday. but still considering between this nitrile cork sole while waiting for the vibram lug sole. however if the nitrile cork one holds up well, guess i’m not gonna wait any longer and grab that one!

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